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Shay Riordan

Shay Riordan

Making life a little greener, sweeter, and realer—one post at a time.

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Shay Riordan
Shay Riordan
Making life a little greener, sweeter, and realer—one post at a time.
  • Life Lately

    Step 2: How to Find Sperm for LGBTQ+ Conception

    May 21, 2025May 23, 2025

    If you’re in a same-sex relationship, a queer couple, or part of the LGBTQIA2+ community looking to grow your family,…

    Read More Step 2: How to Find Sperm for LGBTQ+ ConceptionContinue

  • How Did You Make Your Babies? A Step-by-Step Guide to LGBTQ+ Conception
    Life Lately

    How Did You Make Your Babies? A Step-by-Step Guide to LGBTQ+ Conception

    May 21, 2025May 23, 2025

    We get asked all the time:“How did you and your wife conceive your kids?” Well, friends, buckle up—because the answer…

    Read More How Did You Make Your Babies? A Step-by-Step Guide to LGBTQ+ ConceptionContinue

  • The Book That Changed Everything: How I Finally Learned to Love Myself
    Life Lately

    The Book That Changed Everything: How I Finally Learned to Love Myself

    May 8, 2025May 23, 2025

    How It Started: A Book, A Moment, A Spark It all began when I picked up You Can Heal Your…

    Read More The Book That Changed Everything: How I Finally Learned to Love MyselfContinue

  • local farmers market
    Life Lately

    Collingwood Farmers’ Market: Fresh, Local & Handmade

    May 7, 2025May 23, 2025

    It’s Almost Market Season—Grab Your Cutest Tote Bags! It’s that time of year again—when the sun’s out, the baskets come…

    Read More Collingwood Farmers’ Market: Fresh, Local & HandmadeContinue

  • Shay, Unfiltered: Beauty, Brains & Real Talk
    My Style

    Shay, Unfiltered: Beauty, Brains & Real Talk

    May 7, 2025May 23, 2025

    Hey, I’m Shay So… why are you here? What’s in it for you? And who the heck is Shay? Honestly?…

    Read More Shay, Unfiltered: Beauty, Brains & Real TalkContinue

  • Why I Love Canadian-Made Products (And You Might Too)
    My Style

    Why I Love Canadian-Made Products (And You Might Too)

    April 19, 2025May 23, 2025

    If you’re new to my little corner of the internet, welcome, and let me introduce you to one of my…

    Read More Why I Love Canadian-Made Products (And You Might Too)Continue

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with love,
Shay

Shay is a proud wife to an incredible woman, mama to two wild and wonderful little humans, clean beauty addict, and unapologetic lover of all things Canadian-made. She dabbles in gluten-free baking with big dreams and mixed results—think delicious chaos, usually sprinkled with crumbs and laughter.

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    A Journey Through Motherhood, Clean Beauty & Messy Wins
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    With Love and Intention: Why I’m Sharing Less of My Littles Online
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Cozy morning vibes Cozy morning vibes
Here’s some tips I used BEFORE we tried to get pre Here’s some tips I used BEFORE we tried to get pregnant. 

Would you like to see my pre-baby fertility food suggestions? 

If so drop a 🥰 below!

#wlw #mothersofinstagram #lgbtparents #queerfertility
Our first pregnancy came easy. Two tests. One try. Our first pregnancy came easy.
Two tests. One try. One baby.

So we thought trying again would be just as simple.
It wasn’t.

This space was born from that experience — the trying, the waiting, the not knowing. The parts of queer fertility that don’t make it into the highlight reel.

Whether you’re navigating donor choices, at-home insemination, or you’re in the thick of the two-week wait… I’ve been there.

I’m not here to hand out advice — I’m here to share what worked for us, and remind you: you’re not alone.

✨ This isn’t just content. This is real life. This is community.

#QueerParenting #TTCJourney #LGBTQFertility #TryingToConceive #QueerMoms #AtHomeInsemination #FertilitySupport #HonestMotherhood #LGBTParents #PregnancyJourney #TwoWeekWait #FertilityCommunity
Trying to conceive as a queer couple is beautiful, Trying to conceive as a queer couple is beautiful, emotional, and at times… really hard.

People ask a lot of questions:
Did you do at-home insemination? Did you use a donor? Is it the same one?
Sometimes it can feel like too much — but what helped me was remembering this: most people are just curious, not cruel. You and your partner made a literal miracle — and people want to understand that kind of magic. 💫

TTC can take a toll — especially if it was easy the first time around. It can leave you questioning everything about your body. But the truth? There’s nothing wrong with you. You might just need a new approach… or more time, more rest, more nourishment.

And if you’re trying to conceive while still breastfeeding — I feel you. It’s so hard.
When we started trying for baby #3, I knew I had to give my body a break. I weaned, focused on nourishment and timing… and we got pregnant right away. We were lucky, yes — but also intentional.

Whether you’re just starting or deep in the wait — you’re not alone.
I’m right here with you 🤍

✨ Follow for more honest tips and queer mama wisdom — from someone who’s been exactly where you are.

With love,
Shay

#queerfamily #ttcjourney #lgbtparents #twomoms #fertilityjourney #ttccommunity #breastfeedingandttc #queermama #baby3loading #lgbtqfamily #ttctips #at-homeinsemination
When my wife and I got pregnant with our first bab When my wife and I got pregnant with our first baby, it happened on the first try. We were shocked, grateful, and a little naive. We thought our journey to grow our family would always be that simple.

But trying for baby number two taught us a completely different lesson.
It took a year and a half..

Seven failed inseminations.
Endless tears. Countless ovulation tests.
Diet changes, supplements, doctor’s appointments, fertility yoga, and every tip you can find at 2 a.m. on the internet.

We were exhausted, confused, and heartbroken— wondering why it wasn’t working this time. Until it finally did.

We welcomed our second son after walking one of the hardest roads of our lives.

And then-when we started trying for our third baby-we got pregnant on the first try again. But this time, we came armed with knowledge, experience, and a little bit of luck.

This journey hasn’t been linear or easy, but it’s shaped us in every way. It’s made us more empathetic, more informed, and more passionate about helping others walk this road too.

So if you’re in the thick of trying, if you’re feeling alone, or if you’re just starting your fertility journey

—know this: there’s no “normal” path, but you don’t have to walk it alone.

Follow along as our queer family continues to grow, and as I share the real, raw truths of LGBTQ+ conception, insemination tips, and the beauty that comes after the struggle.

With love,
Shay
Big News: My New Website Is Launching Soon! 🌈 I’m Big News: My New Website Is Launching Soon! 🌈

I’m thrilled to announce that my brand-new website is almost here—and I can’t wait to welcome you into this vibrant, inclusive space I’ve been pouring my heart into.

Whether you’re looking for gluten-free baking tips, clean and conscious green beauty recommendations, or real talk on LGBTQIA2+ parenting, this will be your go-to hub. It’s where honest stories meet helpful advice, sprinkled with humor, heart, and the occasional kitchen disaster.

Expect interviews with some of my personal heroes, behind-the-scenes peeks into the beautifully messy moments of life, and a growing archive of content to inspire and uplift.
Whether you’re navigating parenthood, switching to sustainable beauty, living gluten-free, or just craving a deeper sense of community—you’ll find something here just for you.

This isn’t just a blog. It’s a movement.
A space where we embrace imperfection, celebrate individuality, and support one another in showing up as our fullest selves.

So, are you in?
Follow along, spread the word, and let’s build a community that’s real, raw, and radically loving.

With love and light,
Shay
Looking for a new experience? Want a job that is r Looking for a new experience?
Want a job that is rewarding and fun?
Well then I have just the ticket for you!
Why not become a gardener?
Want more details? DM me!
Well hello there, It’s been a hot minute. I have m Well hello there,
It’s been a hot minute. I have missed you all, and I’m back. 
A lot has happened since I took my break 6 months ago- we got a puppy! Princess Penelope June Cookie. 
We redecorated our home, 
We spent a lot of time playing games and singing songs and bonding as a family, 
And now I’m starting a blog… and I need your help!
I have a poll going in my stories (I will highlight them as well so you can take the poll after today). 
I need to know what you would like from me. I am a wealth of information- but instead of just putting things out there and hoping for the best… I want to customize things to you, my friends. 
So take the poll, and leave me some comments. What are you interested in? What need do you want a solution for? What fascinates you? Tell me about you! 
I’m happy to be back, and look forward to filling you in on more details soon! 
Sending you love & light 
-Shay
Taking a big break… and not that you asked, but he Taking a big break… and not that you asked, but here’s why:

My whole life I have tried to numb myself… from childhood chaos, to insecurities, to procrastination… I have not wanted to be fully present in my mind or body. 
Obviously that is not sustainable, and does not allow for a well lived life. 

Two weeks ago I deleted all social media off of my phone. I was always comparing myself to others, saturating my mind with so much guilt and envy it felt debilitating. The first few days I felt as if I was detoxing from a drug, I was searching for that instant dopamine hit that likes and follows bring… Further proving my point that I needed to be off of social media. 

I have spent so much of my life trying to be in control- only to realize that I myself was not in control of my habits, and thus I was not present for those around me. 

So in saying all of this- I’m not deleting my account. I’ll check in from time to time- but the apps will no longer be on my phone. 

If you need me, text me, call me, send me a letter by carrier pigeon. It’s not hard to find me. 

I’ll be in my home, with everything that matters to me in the world- my family. Learning to be more present, living my life without being numb. 

Love: a work in progress named Shay
Nearly had a meltdown over these “Apple Cinnamon D Nearly had a meltdown over these “Apple Cinnamon Donuts…”

6/10 would not make again… but I’m glad they didn’t suck. 

Here’s the recipe- if you dare! 😅

https://www.thelittleblogofvegan.com/2023/09/vegan-caramel-apple-pastries.html#tasty-recipes-12135-jump-target
Heart melter 💖 Heart melter 💖
A Friendly PSA for all potential stay at home moms A Friendly PSA for all potential stay at home moms

Stay at home mom 
Worth it
Sanity 
Mom life 
LGBT Mom 
#stayathomemom #momlife  #lgbtmom #notime
The boys 💖 The boys 💖
Life with two littles is wild! So it is super hand Life with two littles is wild! So it is super handy to have products that you not only trust- but make your job easier. 

Moonlike products are made with food grade silicone, dishwasher safe, super easy to clean and are grab and go friendly. 

Because the last thing you want to worry about as a mom, is your child playing with something filled harmful chemicals- or super hard to wash. 

Plus what you get the deluxe set- it comes in this beautiful keepsake box, perfect for collecting your little ones treasures along the way. 

#Moonkie, #Moonkieofficial, #Moonkieshop #BabyEssentials, #Babymusthaves, #MomLife
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the big things i It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the big things in life- that you forget the little things in life make the world go around. 

#gifted #postitcanada #scotchbrandcanada #butterly
My life all day long, plus a very active toddler… My life all day long, plus a very active toddler… but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

 #Breastfeeding #clusterfeeding #lgbtmom
This week with my boys 💗🌈🥰 This week with my boys 💗🌈🥰
One day I woke up, and there was a message from th One day I woke up, and there was a message from this human, and without knowing your name, or where you lived- I knew our souls already belonged to one another. 
Katie you are the epitome of love. You weave yourself through time and space with love of your family, of nature, of learning flowing through you. Creating magic with each step that you take. 
With one message you created a life that neither of us dreamed of- but were destined for. 
You are my life, our family is my world.
And I am grateful for every moment in our beautiful, chaotic, noisy, dreamy life we built together. 
Happy birthday my love, thank you for all that your are, and all that you do! 
I love you so!
If anyone knows me, they know I love a good serum. If anyone knows me, they know I love a good serum. Well these enchanting serums from @grownalchemist are nothing short of fabulous!

Formulated with the best nature has to offer, the Skin Renewal Serum & the Instant Soothing Serum has helped to keep my skin hydrated and glowy, while minimizing lines and smoothing out my skins texture. 

What more could you ask for? 

Try them today! 

Kindly gifted from @thisisbutterly
Today is my due date… but we welcomed little Lawso Today is my due date… but we welcomed little Lawson Lennox to the world on Wednesday. 

My blood pressure was not to the doctors liking, so we got to meet this little guy sooner than expected, he shot out of me in less than two hours (giving the doctors the middle finger to boot) apparently we have quite the character on our hands. 

Zeph welcomed him with open arms, and Katie and my hearts are so full! 

As I sit here, I am flooded with all the memories of having Zeph enter our world. It is the great honour of my life to be a wife and mama; and be privy to watching this family grow. 

So without further ado… welcome to the light little Lawson- we’ve all been waiting for you!
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